Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Wichita is 31% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $52,066 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Newark scores 103 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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